
20/07/2025
🌏 Grateful to be on this enriching journey as part of the J&J APAS (Asia Pacific Arthroplasty Society) Travel Fellowship Program!
🛬 Stop 13 (Week 7): RS Soeharso Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia
This week brought us to the historic city of Surakarta (Solo), where we had the privilege of spending time at RS Soeharso, Indonesia’s first orthopaedic hospital, under the guidance of the ever-inspiring Dr. Asep Santoso.
With Dr. Asep, there was never a dull moment. From one complex revision surgery to another, his surgical mastery and effortless composure in the operating theatre were truly admirable. Despite the intensity of the cases—which the hospital receives from across the country due to its status as a tertiary referral center—Dr. Asep remained the epitome of calmness and reassurance, always flashing a warm smile that uplifted both the team and the patients.
We were deeply moved by:
-His surgical brilliance and humility
-The hospitality and warmth shown by his team and the orthopaedic residents
-The opportunity to conduct a teaching session with enthusiastic young minds at the hospital
-A memorable day trip to Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with Dr. Asep and his wonderful family
This leg of the journey was more than just professional learning—it was a lesson in grace, kindness, and connection. We leave RS Soeharso humbled, grateful, and truly touched by the spirit of this institution and its people.
Each mentor and moment in this fellowship continues to broaden my horizons both professionally and personally. Looking forward to the next chapter of this extraordinary journey across the Asia Pacific region!